How does joint ownership work for patents?

How does joint ownership work for patents?

Joint ownership in patents occurs when two or more parties share ownership rights. The MPEP 301 provides guidance on this:

‘In the case of joint owners, each joint owner has the right to make, use, offer for sale, and sell the patented invention without the consent of and without accounting to the other owners.’

This means that each joint owner has full rights to use and profit from the patent independently, without needing permission from the other owners. However, this can lead to complications, especially in licensing or selling the patent, as all joint owners typically need to agree on such actions. It’s often advisable for joint owners to have a written agreement outlining their rights and responsibilities.

For more information on joint ownership, visit: joint ownership.

For more information on patent rights, visit: patent rights.